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INSIGHTS FROM THE BDO CENTER FOR HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE & INNOVATION

COVID-19 Implications for Cancer Care Centers

How to Support Patients in a Critical Time

The novel coronavirus likely many patients will childcare or providing on-campus respite cer type and grade to inform conversa-
(COVID-19) pandemic has sit with symptoms to areas. tions with patients. Though it’s possible
overwhelmed our healthcare avoid a trip to the hospi- • Consider virtual visits: Generally, some treatment can be delayed, it’s
system. In hotspots, health- tal. cancer programs have made progress important to treat all patients with the
care workers continue to fight Patients currently towards introducing telemedicine, but in same level of urgency, while helping
on the frontlines with limited undergoing treatment this current environment it could be a them understand their diagnoses and the
resources and local govern- experience increased risk critical component of cancer care and most appropriate next steps.
ments lengthen stay-at-home and exposure to COVID diagnoses. For example, telemedicine To learn more about how your organi-
orders to help flatten the 19 as it’s difficult to fol- services could help patients voice con- zation can support its cancer care
curve. low social distancing cerns over symptoms to assess whether patients and their clinicians during this
Elsewhere in the U.S.—in guidelines and still main- an in-person visit is necessary. time, reach out.
areas seeing little to no con- tain treatment. What’s Additionally, digital support provides
firmed COVID-19 activity— BY ELIZABETH more, office closings regular touchpoints with patients and Elizabeth Koelker, Director, BDO Center
healthcare workers are being KOELKER, have also impacted can- can otherwise make them feel more com- for Healthcare Excellence & Innovation, can
furloughed, as elective sur- BS, MHA, FACHE cer patients and sur- fortable asking questions around their be reached at (404) 688-2546 or ekoelk-
geries are cancelled, and local vivors’ abilities to attend condition. Some patients have even cre- er@bdo.com.
care centers are forced to close their in-person well-checks, which play a key ated virtual support groups through
doors. role in the mental health of this popula- FaceTime, Skype, Zoom and other serv- Contact:
For cancer care centers and their tion. ices, as in-person support is unavailable. Alfredo Cepero, Managing Partner
patients, however, the COVID-19 pan- 3) Mental Health: Among the most • Preserve care for your most critical 305-420-8006/ acepero@bdo.com
demic is providing a different set of chal- significant challenges for cancer patients patients: The American Society of
lenges. is the impact on mental health. Cancer Clinical Oncology published a chart to Angelo Pirozzi, Partner
patients already feel a lack of control help provide guidance on treatment dur- 646-520-2870 / apirozzi@bdo.com
Three Ways COVID-19 is over their bodies and lives during treat- ing COVID-19. This chart helps
Impacting Cancer Care ment, and as restrictions are put in place providers assess treatment based on can-
Considered to be one of our most vul- to protect the general public, many may
nerable populations, cancer patients are become even more isolated due to their
immunocompromised and thus more diagnosis.
susceptible to infection. Additionally, An important aspect of cancer treat-
infections due to COVID-19 can be more ment is maintaining social connection as
severe for cancer patients than in those well as physical activity. Unfortunately,
who are not immunocompromised. COVID-19 has ceased many medically
Recognizing this, the Centers for based exercise programs, as well as art,
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) music and pet therapy initiatives.
has released guidelines for the immuno- While cancer patients are feeling
compromised, which underscore the increased stress due to COVID-19, so too
importance of social distancing. are the physicians, staff and health sys-
Adding to that, the pandemic has tems treating them. Though many are
impacted cancer care in three critical still solely dedicated to cancer care, they
ways: are being required to attend all meetings
1) Supply Shortage: As a result of related to COVID-19, as their hospitals
social distancing, blood drives have been face patient surge and limited bed capac-
canceled. These efforts, though designed ity, and cancer care facilities may be
to limit loss of life due to the virus, have transformed to treat COVID-19 patients.
caused a blood supply shortage. In fact, The pandemic has forced many providers
the American Red Cross, as well as can- to behave, act and feel more like
cer centers and hospitals across the machines—increasing the possibility of
country, have issued an emergency call burnout in a time when that is already
for blood donors due to this shortage, as heightened.
blood and platelet donations are critical
for cancer care. How Healthcare Organizations
2) Access to Care: According to the Can Support Their Cancer Care
American Cancer Society, nearly 2 mil- Centers, Providers and Patients
lion new cancer cases are expected to be - Provide support for staff: COVID-19
diagnosed in 2020. While it’s difficult to is not just a healthcare crisis. It’s impact-
predict the true impact of COVID-19 on ed schools and daycare facilities which
cancer discovery and treatment, it’s pos- provide support for working parents,
sible we’ll see an increase in late-stage including healthcare professionals.
cancer diagnoses given reduced access to Healthcare leaders must consider how
care. For example, many imaging facili- they can support their staff during this
ties have closed or ceased screening time – be it providing daily meals, tap-
exams during this time. As a result, it’s ping the local community to assist with

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